11 local bands for 2011

Secret Colours meet every prerequisite for a neo-psychedelic-rock band. Buzzing sitars? Check. A concise, instructive slogan ("Follow the Drone") in the vein of "Turn on, Tune In, Drop Out?" Yep. A sound that references the drug-addled haze of the Velvet Underground as well as Merseybeat and shoegaze? Indeed. As a bonus, the quintet -- together in its current itineration for barely a year -- brought Margaret Albright on board to bang tambourines, play keyboards and add sex appeal. None of it would matter if the Secret Colours' self-titled debut wanted for good songs. Expect a full-court press in 2011. Next Show: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 773-278-6600. $10

Secret Colours meet every prerequisite for a neo-psychedelic-rock band. Buzzing sitars? Check. A concise, instructive slogan ("Follow the Drone") in the vein of "Turn on, Tune In, Drop Out?" Yep. A sound that references the drug-addled haze of the Velvet Underground as well as Merseybeat and shoegaze? Indeed. As a bonus, the quintet -- together in its current itineration for barely a year -- brought Margaret Albright on board to bang tambourines, play keyboards and add sex appeal. None of it would matter if the Secret Colours' self-titled debut wanted for good songs. Expect a full-court press in 2011. Next Show: 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., 773-278-6600. $10

No band is currently making better use of the Farfisa-like Gibson G101 combo organ than Hollows. Deliciously blending '60s girl-group harmonies, buoyant melodies and generous vocal reverb, the female-led quintet's self-titled debut (Addenda) doesn't waste a note. Lighthearted streaks pepper the garage-pop strains, and the group's rendition of Diane Renay's "Watch Out, Sally!" conjures the winking charm of the sketched-art covers on '50s pulp novels. Apt, given that, in spite the Hollows' cuteness, their music is more apt to walk down a dark alley than a brightly lit sidewalk. Try not humming along.

No band is currently making better use of the Farfisa-like Gibson G101 combo organ than Hollows. Deliciously blending '60s girl-group harmonies, buoyant melodies and generous vocal reverb, the female-led quintet's self-titled debut (Addenda) doesn't waste a note. Lighthearted streaks pepper the garage-pop strains, and the group's rendition of Diane Renay's "Watch Out, Sally!" conjures the winking charm of the sketched-art covers on '50s pulp novels. Apt, given that, in spite the Hollows' cuteness, their music is more apt to walk down a dark alley than a brightly lit sidewalk. Try not humming along.

The new year is a time for new hopes and beginnings. This is no different for local bands. For area artists looking to become Chicago's next big thing, the start of 2011 represents a chance to show why they deserve your attention. We picked eleven artists -- encompassing indie rock, soul, hip-hop, psychedelic pop and more -- whose recent output and organization make them worth watching in '11.-- Bob Gendron, Special to the Tribune